Share and Follow
The Pentagon is reportedly making preparations for a second aircraft carrier strike group to potentially head to the Middle East, signaling readiness for possible military action against Iran.
While President Trump has yet to authorize the deployment, an official decision could be made “within hours,” according to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday night, citing information from US officials.
Should the deployment proceed, it is expected to originate from the US East Coast. An official mentioned that one carrier is being readied to set sail within the next two weeks.
The USS George H.W. Bush, currently engaged in training exercises off the Virginia coast, is a candidate for this mission.
This warship is equipped to launch F-35 stealth fighter jets, which the outlet notes would likely be essential for any operations within Iran.
The ship would join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group that is already in the region.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to use military force against Iran over the regime’s killing of protesters and refusal to dismantle its nuclear program.
The president has warned of a “massive flotilla” or “big armada” heading toward Iran several times since last month and as recently as Tuesday.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Wednesday to discuss a possible attack on Iran.
“There was nothing definitive reached other than I insisted that negotiations with Iran continue to see whether or not a Deal can be consummated,” Trump posted on Truth Social following the sitdown.
“If it can, I let the Prime Minister know that will be a preference. If it cannot, we will just have to see what the outcome will be,” the president continued. “Last time Iran decided that they were better off not making a Deal, and they were hit with Midnight Hammer — That did not work well for them. Hopefully this time they will be more reasonable and responsible.”
Netanyahu reportedly brought intelligence material to the meeting intended to convince Trump to target Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles if he decides to attack, Israeli news outlet i24News reported.
If a second carrier is deployed to the Middle East, it would mark the first time multiple carriers have been in the region since the March 2025 US military operation against the Houthis in Yemen, according to the Journal.
The White House and Pentagon did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.